Barbie's Careers Through the Years

Hard to believe, but Barbie turns 50 this year (and she still looks great)! Many of us have fond memories of dressing up our Barbie dolls and playing games limited only by our imagination. In honor of her birthday, we take a nostalgic look back at some of the many careers Barbie has held  and remember how she helped us dream of the time when we would be "all grown up" and leading exciting lives of our own.

1959: Teenage Fashion Model

Barbie struts the sand as her teenage peers obsess over Frankie Avalon and Elvis Presley. An exciting, all-new kind of doll, shes shapely and grown-up — she almost breathes and stands alone. Girls of all ages are delighted by her miniature wardrobe: tiny zippers that really zip, coats with luxuriously tailored linings, jeweled earrings, necklaces, and color-coordinated sunglasses!

1960: Fashion Designer

Barbie adds pink panache to the counterculture fashion revolution and takes her fashion experience off the runway into an executive role. With a red suit and portfolio in hand, she showcases true designer style wherever she goes.

1961: Registered Nurse

Barbie brings the cat-eye glasses and peep-toe pump trends of the year to hospitals nationwide. She plays the classic nurse: crisp white uniform, cap, and shoes, navy cape, and eyeglasses, plus nursing accessories such as a medicine bottle, a spoon, and a hot-water bottle.

1963: Executive (Career Girl)

After Congress passes the first Equal Pay Act, Barbie can rest assured shell remain a top-earning executive. With a two-piece tweed suit and matching hat, red sleeveless pullover with long black gloves, and black shoes, Barbie makes a statement that she is ready for any project her busy job throws her way.

1963: College Graduate

She may not be protesting on campus, but Barbie is progressive nonetheless. She sets the stage for women everywhere! In bouffant hair and a traditional cap and gown with white collar, tasseled mortarboard, and diploma, Barbie graduates with honors.

1974: Miss America

1976: Olympic Gold Medalist

Barbie joins the ranks of the worlds top competitors, as women now have the opportunity to compete in basketball, handball, and rowing at the Olympics. As a proud gymnast, Barbie takes the gold for the red, white, and blue.

1977: Fashion Model

Barbie is bright, glittery, and groovy as she walks the runway. This year, Barbie has a glamorous new face and long, sun-streaked hair, plus chic touches like a "diamond" ring, necklace, earrings, a fabulous evening gown, and a silver-sparkle stole. For the first time, Barbies waist twists, and shes got top-model-pose ability!

1984: Aerobics Instructor

Wearing stylish spandex, Barbie encourages girls to get physical and Jazzercise. Barbie wears a colorful leotard, luscious leg warmers, and ballet slippers. Easy exercises are illustrated on the package and booklet so little girls can help Barbie pose her arms and legs correctly: They can make her do scissor lifts, sit-ups, extensions, and stretches.

1986: Rock Star

Barbie puts a glamorous neon stamp on the rocking styles of Pat Benatar and Madonna. She reflects the hottest fashion trends, from neon colors to glittery fabrics, headbands, and leggings to colorful makeup and wild hair. Shes dressed to shine on or off the stage!

1989: UNICEF Ambassador

Barbie joins Audrey Hepburn in a sparkling salute to the children's philanthropy. The limited-edition Barbie is dressed in a red, white, and blue gown with long white gloves. Included in the box is a poster called "The Rights of the Child."

1993: Army Ranger

Watch out, G.I. Jane! Barbie takes a nonviolent approach when she joins our nations troops. She wears authentic desert camouflage fatigues like those worn in the Desert Storm campaign. Sergeant Barbie is a medic and is always ready for field duty with two medic packs! She is a proud and spirited American serving her country as a sergeant in the distinguished United States Army 101st Airborne Division.

1994: Pediatrician

Barbie enters the medical field as an advocate for leading a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Barbie is a special childrens doctor who takes great care of her baby patients. When the magic stethoscope is placed over a babys heart, Barbie hears a real heartbeat. The tip of the magic stethoscope is pressure-activated, so it works on any friend, doll, or even the girl herself!

1996: Pet Doctor

Barbie unleashes her passion for animals after watching the premiere of 101 Dalmatians. She comes with a dog and cat that make realistic animal sounds, plus lots of veterinarian play pieces. A little girl can activate each animals sound by pressing a button with her finger or by placing the animals in the basket.

1997: Dentist

Barbie and the rest of the world are adamant about oral care as the world's first toothpaste proven to prevent gum disease makes its debut. She takes care of her patients' teeth and teaches them about good dental care. A sound chip lets Barbie say, "Let's brush!" and "Great checkup!" She also has two different sound effects  teeth brushing and water spraying.

1998: NASCAR Driver

Barbie hits the pedal and races the tracks 10 years before Danica Patricks historic Indy car win. She celebrates the 50th anniversary of NASCAR with a fun and exciting new look. With helmet, hat, and pantsuit, Barbie is ready to race!

2002: Art Teacher

Barbie understands how critical art education is to students. She comes with everything she needs to teach little Kelly all about art. Barbie and Kelly have special arms, so they can really paint and draw!

2004: Presidential Candidate

Barbie makes her third bid for the Oval Office four years before Hillary Clinton ever vied for the White House. As the 2004 presidential campaign heats up, the candidates learned that Barbie is joining the race. In preparation for hitting the campaign trail, Barbie consults thousands of loyal constituents through Barbie.com to help finalize a platform that includes three issues relevant to girls: creating world peace, helping the homeless and poor, and taking care of animals.

2005: American Idol Winner

Barbie joins Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, and Carrie Underwood as Americas Next Superstar. She takes a chance and auditions for American Idol, where she meets two new friends! They experience the exciting process of making their dreams come true together. Shes dressed to perform in a cool denim outfit and comes with a karaoke machine that plays Oops I Did It Again, an extra performance outfit, a backstage pass, and CDs with CD case.

2008: TV Chef

Barbie can whip up "30-minute meals" or an "everyday Italian" feast. She is on the set as a TV chef and the star of her own cooking show! She cooks fantastic meals in her state-of-the-art kitchen with a spacious workstation, appliances, and accessories.

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